Grand National
Most Successful Horses in Grand National History
The Grand National is just over a week away and William Hill News predict several horses could be on course to land their second victory in the race and join a roll of great horses.
A unique test, the race attracts a certain type of horse but it is still one of the toughest races around to win even once, so multiple winners go down in history.
Let’s look at the most successful horses in the history of the Grand National.
Red Rum – 3 wins (1973, 1974, 1977)
Red Rum is widely regarded as the greatest steeplechaser in the history of the Grand National, thanks to his remarkable three victories in 1973, 1974, and 1977. Trained by Ginger McCain and ridden in his early triumphs by Brian Fletcher, Red Rum’s first win in 1973 remains one of the most dramatic finishes ever seen. He trailed by a large margin for most of the race but produced an astonishing late surge after the final fence to win, a moment etched into sporting history.
In 1974, Red Rum returned carrying more weight, a significant disadvantage in such a gruelling race. Despite this, he delivered a dominant performance, showcasing his stamina, jumping precision, and calm temperament over the challenging Aintree fences. His consistency was just as impressive as his victories, he finished second in both 1975 and 1976, proving his enduring class and resilience.
By 1977, now 12 years old, Red Rum was considered past his prime. However, under jockey Tommy Stack, he defied expectations to claim his third Grand National title, by over 25 lengths. This achievement made him the first horse to ever win the race three times.
Tiger Roll – 2 wins (2018, 2019)
Tiger Roll is one of the most celebrated modern champions of the Grand National, famed for his back-to-back victories in 2018 and 2019. Trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Davy Russell, Tiger Roll first triumphed in 2018 with a determined and perfectly timed ride. Russell held him up for much of the race before producing a strong late challenge, overtaking the leaders after the final fence and holding off Pleasant Company in a tight finish.
In 2019, Tiger Roll returned to Aintree aiming to defend his title, an achievement not seen since the legendary Red Rum in the 1970s. Carrying more weight, he delivered an even more dominant performance. Travelling smoothly throughout, he took the lead approaching the final fence and powered clear on the run-in to win decisively, confirming his status as a modern great.
What makes Tiger Roll especially remarkable is his versatility and consistency. Beyond his Grand National successes, he also excelled in cross-country races at Cheltenham, winning multiple times at the Cheltenham Festival. Despite being relatively small for a steeplechaser, his agility, intelligence, and stamina set him apart from his rivals.
Tiger Roll’s achievements have secured his place among racing’s elite and a fan favourite of national hunt racing.
